Day two of the US PGA Championship has been delayed by an hour because of an “accident near the course”, according to a statement released by the tournament organisers.
Louisville Police confirmed that a pedestrian had died after a collision involving a shuttle bus.
In an unrelated incident, World No 1 Scottie Scheffler was ‘detained in handcuffs’ by police as he tried to make his way to the course according to ESPN.
More rainfall is forecast for Friday at Valhalla and there is also the possibility of thunderstorms.
More precipitation would further soften a course that was at the mercy of the world’s best players on Thursday, with leader Xander Schauffele three shots clear after a sparkling nine-under 62.
Schauffele matched the lowest score in men’s major championship history, the Olympic champion recording nine birdies in a flawless 62 to match the mark set by Branden Grace in the 2017 Open.
Grace’s feat was equalled by Rickie Fowler and Schauffele himself in the opening round of last year’s US Open, although neither man went on to lift the title at Los Angeles Country Club.
“It feels great,” Schauffele said. “It’s just day one, but if someone had said I was going to shoot nine under, I would certainly have taken it.
“I’ve been playing some really good golf, having a lot of close calls, so me and my team say why not keep chugging along?”
Despite such a low score, Schauffele was only three shots clear of compatriots Tony Finau and Sahith Theegala, with Rory McIlroy and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre part of a five-strong group on five under.
World number one Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Brooks Koepka both shot 67, while Jon Rahm fought back from four over par after six holes to return a 70.
Only three players have held a three-shot lead after the opening round of the US PGA, Dick Hart (1963), Bobby Nichols (1964) and Raymond Floyd (1982). Hart was the only one not to go on and lift the Wanamaker Trophy.
Scheffler is among the early starters with McIlroy off later this evening.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
